Landspout tornado spotted east of Edmonton

A landspout tornado was spotted east of Edmonton as Environment Canada issued an advisory to watch out for funnel clouds in parts of Alberta.

The weather advisory covered Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds, Sundre, Brooks, Strathmore, Vulcan, Drumheller, Three Hills, Hanna, Coronation, Oyen, Lloydminster, Wainwright, Vermilion and Provost. It was lifted late Friday night.

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Several people on social media posted photos of a suspected tornado near Mannville, east of Edmonton, on Friday afternoon. Environment Canada later confirmed it was a landspout tornado.

Funnel clouds, which usually appear with little or no warning, should be treated seriously, and nearby residents should be prepared to take shelter, says Environment Canada.

Funnel clouds are generated by weak rotation under rapidly growing clouds of weak thunderstorms. They do not normally pose a danger near the ground, however there is a chance they could intensify and become a weak landspout tornado.

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Landspout tornadoes do not usually cause major damage but should still be considered dangerous. They can be strong enough to topple trees, damage roofs or toss debris short distances.

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